Squeaky shoes

When our granddaughter Briella celebrated her first birthday last month, she was delighted to receive a pair of red leather shoes that squeak when she steps.
I found them at a children’s shop and I thought it might make learning to walk more enjoyable. Sure enough, as soon as we put them on her feet she stomped and stomped, all the while holding on to the sofa. Though it would be a few more weeks before she took those first steps, she “squeaked” for quite a while, delighting in the noise she could create.
Her brother Asher is three years old, so he took particular note of her ability to create cute sounds by moving her feet. “Momma Bo,” he said, pointing at my knitting bag on the table, “Do you have any more squeaky shoes in that bag?”
Had it occurred to me that he would want a pair I would have certainly found some for him too. “No, buddy,” I replied. “I only had those for Bri’s birthday.”

He hung his blonde head, and said very slowly and sadly, “But Momma Bo, I NEED squeaky shoes really bad.” How I wish I could be like Bewitched and twitch a pair out of thin air.
I assured him I would find some as soon as possible. Thank goodness for the Internet. I sat down right away and found some online. Within minutes the order was placed and his shoes were on their way to his little feet.
About a week later, my son The Boy called. “Hi mom, Asher has something to tell you,” he said. I had forgotten all about the shoes. “Momma Bo!” Asher yelled into the phone, “I got my SQUEEEEAKY shoes!” The delight in his voice was nearly drowned out with the squeaks of his new shoes. “Thanks mom,” my son said, not nearly as emphatically. I almost couldn’t hear him over the squeaking in the background.
Last Sunday we drove the hour to see The Boy and his family. Briella hadn’t started walking yet but she was super busy teething and being adorable. The Boy called the very next day. “Mom, Asher has something to tell you,” he said.
“Momma Bo!” Asher exclaimed in his tiny voice, “Balella got her first steps today!”

It was indeed, very exciting news. I was so happy for “Balella” to have taken, or rather “gotten” her first steps, and upon further information from The Boy, those very first three steps led right into her daddy’s arms.

I can imagine their household as Briella masters the art of walking. In no time at all she will be able to keep up with her big brother, climbing stairs, running in the hallways and getting into everything.

I can also imagine Asher’s excitement when he realizes that the squeaky shoes will be lots more fun with little sister squeaking behind him.

I shared that thought with The Boy. “Oh, I’m ahead of you, mom,” he said. “I’ve already figured out how to take the squeakers out, just in case we need to.” I had to laugh, - not because The Boy might take the squeakers out; it was the noise in the background. “Squeak! Squeak! Squeak squeaksqueaksqueak! “ That apple didn’t fall far from the tree; The Boy is a sucker just like me.